In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing multimillion-dollar infrastructure project along Susquehanna Avenue, raising concerns about funding and the impact on local citizens. The dialogue highlighted the challenges of managing project costs while ensuring community needs are met, particularly regarding sidewalk replacements.

One council member emphasized the importance of allocating funds to address sidewalk issues, arguing that it would be unjust to leave citizens without proper access while a significant project is underway. The discussion revealed that the project, initially awarded for $3.35 million, has already incurred costs of approximately $3.28 million, leaving a narrow margin for unexpected expenses or change orders that could arise as work progresses.

Concerns were raised about the strict requirements associated with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which limit how money can be spent. Officials acknowledged that while they are committed to completing the project, they are also aware of potential additional costs that could affect the overall budget.

The meeting also touched on the possibility of reallocating funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) designated for city hall renovations to address sidewalk repairs. However, this suggestion was met with caution, as it could compromise safety measures at city hall.

As the meeting concluded, officials committed to gathering more information on the costs associated with sidewalk repairs and the qualifications of the engineers involved in assessing the project. The council is expected to continue exploring options to ensure that the needs of the community are met without jeopardizing the integrity of the ongoing infrastructure work.